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This form of housing was derived from the invention of the automobile. They appear similar to the travel trailer, which is a small housing unit normally used when camping. The travel trailer has wheels attached to its edges to enhance mobility. Initially, the new mobile homes were used mainly by people whose lives were characterized by frequent migration. But in the early 1950s this form of housing was seen as an alternative cheap means of housing.
They are rectangular in shape as compared to the streamlined appearance of the travel trailers. They are made from pre-painted aluminum panels which are later painted, once the assembling process is completed. In the 1960s and 70s, the process of moving the unit from one place to the other was almost an impossible task due to its larger appearance in terms of length and width. In some states of the US, the new mobile homes are considered as a personal property hence no exemption from taxation so long as their wheels are still attached.
When their wheels are removed, they are considered as real estate by the US government. The new mobile homes are cheaper to construct hence reducing the housing costs of many people and also acts as an alternative to apartment rental.
The new mobile homes are usually characterized by their two major sizes, that is, single-wides and double-wides. The single-wides have a width of about 18ft (5.5m) and a height of around 90ft (27m). In some instances, this measurement may appear lesser than the above figures. They are towed to their sites in one unit hence the name “single-wides” where areas the double-wides have a width of approximately 25ft. and a length of 90ft and are towed to their sites in two different units hence the name “double-units”.
There has also been an invention of the triple-wides and other homes that accommodate four or more units through they are not as common. The single-wide homes act as trading tools in most cases. The owners sell them to dealers who later sell them back to new owners as rental units. The single-wides are mostly preferred in terms of trade due to their flexibility and their ability to move form one place to the other with ease. It is estimated that only 5% of all double-wides are able to be transferred from one place to the other.
The new mobiles homes have a low ability to withstand severe weather conditions such as strong winds. This limitation can be solved by the use of optional hurricane straps that connects the home to anchors transfixed to the ground.
Due to the fact that no land is included in the loan meant for financing manufactured homes, most banks downplay the idea of financing the new mobile homes. But is should also be noted that there are some companies that are specialized in financing of mobile homes and also offering loans. In most cases, mainly in the United States, mobile homes are located in land lease referred to as trailer parks or trailer courts, mobile home communities, mobile home parks or even manufactured home communities. These trailer parks are characterized by the presence of basic amenities such as water, electricity, sewerage system, community rooms, playgrounds and pools. In the United State alone, there are over 38,000 trailer parks and are mostly used for vacation during the summer.
The double-wides do well in the market as compared to the single-wides due to the fact that they are spacious as compared to the single wides. However, the single-wides remain popular in the rural areas since there are fewer restrictions in terms on government policy.
During the transportation process, they are hoisted behind a toter or a semi-truck on a frame likened to that of a trailer. A crane is normally used to settle the home on its final destination after transportation. The home settles on a concrete foundation to enhance its stability. After they are assembling process is completed, it becomes almost impossible for one to distinguish between the new mobile homes and the site-built homes. The roofs are later transported as separate units but of late, there has been an invention that facilitates the ability of a crane to raise the roof together with the body at the same time, during the setting process.
Some mobile home can go up to 2 or 3 stories. As a result of the striking resemblance between the two types of homes, the market for the new mobile homes has drastically increased.
The new mobile homes have proved to be an efficient alternative to counter the high housing costs in the modern world. This is evident due to the fact that they are not only found in the United States but also in countries such as the United Kingdom and Israel.
In the UK, the mobile homes are designed in such a way that they can be transported by road in one or two sections. They have an average measurement of 20 x 6.8 m and an internal height of around 305cm.
In Israel the new mobile homes are constructed by the use of light, non-insulated metal. These homes were mostly useful in the year 2005, as an alternative settlement for families evicted from Gush Katif, which was their original home.